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California State University, Fresno
Psych 101
Child Psychology
Text (required): Santrock, J.W. (2009). Child Development (12th ed.) New York, NY: McGrawHill.
Course Description: This course introduces students to child psychology. Key concepts, issues
and methods of the field will be discussed. Recent research findings will be covered. Major
topics will include physical, cognitive, social and personality development, contexts of
childhood, and child psychological disorders.
Course Objectives: The Psychology department has developed a list of objectives for
undergraduate psychology majors. You can get a copy of this list from the Psychology
department office. The following objectives are relevant to this courses:
1. Summarize and evaluate the literature on topics in psychology.
2. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of theory and research in social process and developmental
changes.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the different research methodologies used by psychologists.
4. Summarize and evaluate the literature on topics in psychology including distinguishing
between primary and secondary sources and empirical versus other sources.
5. Construct examples of how psychological theories and principles relate to everday life.
6. Explain an observed or described behavior using at least three different psychological theories
or models.
7. Formulate how the knowledge, skills and/or values of psychology can be applied to various
careers.
8. Explain the value of psychological science in society including how it suggests solutions for
real-world problems.
9. Describe ethical principals that pertain to issues of culture and diversity.
Grades
Course grades will be based on the following criteria:
Three exams: 45% total (15% each)
Journal :
10%
Project:
25%
Final exam
20%
The course grade assigned will be based on the standard scale: 90% and above is an A, 80 to
89% is a B, 70 to 79% is a C, 60 to 69% is a D, 59% and below is an F.
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Exams
The three midterm exams will consist of approximately 50 multiple choice questions. You will
need scantron form 882-E or 882-ES or 882-LOVAS for each exam. An exam may be made up
only if it was missed due to a genuine emergency.